Action to take 'as soon as possible' if bitten by a tick 'to avoid Lyme disease'

Action to take 'as soon as possible' if bitten by a tick 'to avoid Lyme disease' A pharmacist has spoken after news of an increase in infections As the summer holiday season gets underway, UKHSA is reminding travellers to take precautions against travel-associated infections, with new data showing imported mosquito-borne infections, including dengue and Zika, continuing through spring and into summer. The latest figures show 137 dengue cases were reported in England between January and June 2026, while Zika cases have already exceeded the total recorded throughout 2025. Following the news, Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson has shared expert advice on preventing insect bites while travelling, alongside practical guidance on identifying and treating some of the most common summer bites and stings, including those caused by mosquitoes, ticks, horseflies, bees and wasps. Wasps, bees and hornets Claire said: “A wasp sting can feel sudden. It starts with sharp pain, followed by a swollen red mark which may form on your skin. This may be painful and itchy and can last a few hours. "Occasionally, the sting can cause a minor allergic reaction, which can be painful, red and swollen for up to a week. A bee sting feels similar, but the sting can be left in the wound. "If this occurs, this should be removed as soon as possible using tweezers, before washing the area with soap and water. If there's swelling, apply a cold compress such as an ice pack or a flannel soaked in cold water for at least ten minutes and where possible, elevate the affected area to help reduce any swelling.” Mosquitoes Claire said: “Mosquito bites can be annoying and itchy, causing small red lumps on your skin. Mosquitos can spread serious illnesses, such as malaria, in some parts of the world. "It is advisable to try to cover exposed skin when spending time outdoors, especially at the time of day when mosquitoes are most likely to be more active – sunrise or sunset. There are several insect repellent products available which, when used according to their instructions, can help reduce the risk of being bitten. "In addition, if you’re travelling abroad, you should check if antimalarial medication is recommended for the country and region you will be visiting – you can do this using Boots’ online quick check tool.” Ticks Claire said: “Tick bites usually aren't painful, but sometimes they can produce an allergic reaction. On rare occasions, they can cause Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection that causes a pink or red circular rash to develop around the area of the bite. "If you've been bitten by a tick, you should try to remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-toothed tweezers to gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible before pulling steadily away from the skin without twisting or crushing the tick. You should then wash your skin with water and soap afterwards and apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite.” Horseflies Claire said: “Horsefly bites can be very painful and if you have been bitten, you may experience a red, raised rash, dizziness, weakness, wheezing or you may notice part of your body becoming puffy and swollen. Horsefly bites can take some time to heal and, in some cases, can become infected. If you think the bite has become infected, which may show as increased pain, redness, swelling and pus, you should see your GP straight away or seek advice from a pharmacist at your nearest Boots store.” Clairre also shared expert insights into Lyme disease, including the key symptoms to watch out for and when to seek medical advice. What is Lyme disease? Claire said: “Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. Ticks are small spider-like creatures that feed off animals and humans and are most commonly found in woodland and moorland areas. In general, the earlier Lyme disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.” What causes Lyme disease? Claire said: “Humans can get Lyme disease when they’re bitten by infected ticks. If a tick bites an animal that carries the Lyme disease bacteria, it can become infected. If you brush against something they’re on, such as long grass, ticks can climb onto your clothes or skin and transfer the bacteria when they bite you and feed on your blood.” What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease? Claire said: “Look out for a circular or oval-shaped rash around the tick bite, which can appear between one and four weeks after being bitten, although it can sometimes take up to three months. Early symptoms can also include tiredness and fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headaches, a high temperature or chills, and a stiff neck.” When should you seek medical advice? Claire said: “You should see a GP if you’ve been bitten by a tick, or been in an area such as long grass or a forest where infected ticks may have been, and you develop a round or oval-shaped rash and/or flu-like symptoms. A GP will ask about your symptoms and, in certain cases, you may need blood tests to help confirm a diagnosis.”